GPSS 40th anniversary celebration

On May 19, the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) celebrated its 40th anniversary of official recognition by the UW Board of Regents as the student government for graduate and professional students. Until 1976, GPSS was part of ASUW, yet became separate and independent from the ASUW during the elections in April 1976. The celebration, which was held at the Center for Urban Horticulture, recognized and honored the efforts that GPSS’s officers and senators, both past and present, implemented in order to best serve the student body. Alex Bolton, 2015-2016 GPSS President, stated, “GPSS is only as good as the people serving. Every year, the leadership tries to create new opportunities to support our academic community. The impacts of these efforts are far reaching and long lasting.” He also noted that the decisions made by the past GPSS leaders have led GPSS to where it is today.

During the event, Karen Lee, former two-term GPSS President and the first woman of color to serve in this role, was the featured speaker. She shared how important her role in GPSS was in preparing her for her future career in government and public service. In addition, many former GPSS officers, senators and volunteers attended the celebration to show their ongoing support for GPSS and to honor the rich history of leadership at UW. The anniversary celebration demonstrated just how much GPSS has grown over the past 40 years to better serve graduate and professional students, increase its legislative efforts and advocacy initiatives and continue this legacy into the future.

GPSS